St. John Administrator suspended over letter supporting bank robber
Published: September 11, 2012
Font size: [A] [A] [A]
ST. THOMAS - V.I. Gov. John deJongh Jr. suspended St. John Administrator Leona Smith late last month after controversy erupted about a letter she wrote in support of a convicted bank robber.
The suspension went into effect Aug. 27 and will last for 30 days, according to Government House spokesman Jean Greaux Jr. Smith will not be paid during the suspension, according to Greaux.
"The suspension was a result of her writing a letter advocating a federal judge show leniency to a convicted bank robber," Greaux said in an emailed statement. "Smith's appeal to the District Court, written on Government House letterhead, raised questions of propriety from a federal judge. The letter gave the false public impression that it had the imprimatur of the administration."
To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.
Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.
